Prepositions of time are crucial elements in any language, and English is no exception. These tiny words may seem insignificant, but they play a monumental role in specifying when an event occurs. Mastering prepositions of time can significantly enhance your fluency and comprehension. This article will guide you through the most commonly used prepositions of time in English, explaining their correct usage and providing ample examples to ensure clarity.
Common Prepositions of Time
Several prepositions are frequently used to indicate time. The most common ones are in, on, and at. Each has specific rules governing its usage, which we will explore in detail.
In
The preposition in is used for non-specific times during a day, month, year, or season. Here are some guidelines:
1. **Months**: Use in when referring to months.
– Example: “I was born in July.”
2. **Years**: Use in for years.
– Example: “We moved here in 2015.”
3. **Centuries and Decades**: Use in for centuries and decades.
– Example: “The company was founded in the 19th century.”
– Example: “This style was popular in the 1990s.”
4. **Periods of the day**: Use in to talk about periods of the day, except for night.
– Example: “I work out in the morning.”
– Exception: “I like to read at night.”
5. **Seasons**: Use in for seasons.
– Example: “We go hiking in the summer.”
On
The preposition on is used for specific days and dates. Here are the rules:
1. **Days of the Week**: Use on to refer to days of the week.
– Example: “We have meetings on Monday.”
2. **Dates**: Use on for specific dates.
– Example: “Her birthday is on March 5th.”
3. **Specific Days and Holidays**: Use on for specific days and holidays.
– Example: “We celebrate Christmas on December 25th.”
– Example: “I relax on weekends.”
At
The preposition at is used for precise times and specific points in time. Here are the key uses:
1. **Clock Times**: Use at for exact times.
– Example: “The train arrives at 7:30 AM.”
2. **Specific Points in Time**: Use at for specific points in time.
– Example: “She’ll be here at lunchtime.”
– Example: “We met at the beginning of the year.”
3. **Holidays without ‘day’**: Use at for holidays when the word “day” is not included.
– Example: “We will meet at Christmas.”
– Exception: “We will meet on Christmas Day.”
Other Prepositions of Time
Besides in, on, and at, other prepositions are used to talk about time. Here are some of them:
Before and After
These prepositions are used to indicate a time earlier or later than a specific point.
1. **Before**: Use before to indicate an earlier time.
– Example: “I always have coffee before work.”
2. **After**: Use after to indicate a later time.
– Example: “We will go for dinner after the movie.”
During
The preposition during is used to indicate a period within which something happens.
– Example: “She was very quiet during the meeting.”
By
The preposition by is used to indicate a deadline or the end of a particular time frame.
– Example: “Please submit your report by Friday.”
For and Since
These prepositions are often used with perfect tenses to talk about the duration of an action.
1. **For**: Use for to indicate the duration of time.
– Example: “I have lived here for ten years.”
2. **Since**: Use since to indicate the starting point of an action.
– Example: “I have been working here since 2008.”
From… To
This combination is used to indicate the start and end points of a time period.
– Example: “The conference will be held from Monday to Wednesday.”
Until and Till
Both prepositions are used to indicate an action or event continuing up to a specific point in time. Till is more informal than until.
1. **Until**: Use until for more formal contexts.
– Example: “The shop is open until 9 PM.”
2. **Till**: Use till in informal speech.
– Example: “I can stay till you come back.”
Within
The preposition within indicates a time frame in which something will happen.
– Example: “The results will be announced within two weeks.”
Common Mistakes with Prepositions of Time
Incorrect Use of ‘On’ and ‘In’
One common mistake is using on with months or years.
– Incorrect: “I was born on July.”
– Correct: “I was born in July.”
Incorrect Use of ‘At’ for Days
Another frequent error is using at for days.
– Incorrect: “We will meet at Monday.”
– Correct: “We will meet on Monday.”
Mixing Up ‘For’ and ‘Since’
People often confuse for and since when talking about durations.
– Incorrect: “I have lived here since ten years.”
– Correct: “I have lived here for ten years.”
Using ‘During’ Incorrectly
Using during for precise times is another common mistake.
– Incorrect: “I will call you during 5 PM.”
– Correct: “I will call you at 5 PM.”
Practical Exercises
To solidify your understanding of prepositions of time, here are a few exercises:
Fill in the Blanks
1. I will see you ___ Monday.
2. She was born ___ 1990.
3. The movie starts ___ 8 PM.
4. They visited us ___ the summer.
5. We have been friends ___ ten years.
Answers
1. on
2. in
3. at
4. in
5. for
Identify the Mistakes
1. He has been working here since five years.
2. We will meet on the morning.
3. The party is in Saturday.
4. She left during 5 PM.
5. I will finish the project at next week.
Answers
1. He has been working here for five years.
2. We will meet in the morning.
3. The party is on Saturday.
4. She left at 5 PM.
5. I will finish the project next week.
Conclusion
Mastering prepositions of time is essential for effective communication in English. Understanding when to use in, on, at, and other prepositions can significantly improve your fluency and accuracy. Remember to practice regularly and pay close attention to the context in which these prepositions are used. With time and practice, using prepositions of time correctly will become second nature to you. Happy learning!
